British Airways is keeping its Israel operation on ice longer than planned, delaying its Tel Aviv return until August 1 and cutting the London–Tel Aviv route to just one daily flight through October 24. The carrier had been expected to resume a limited schedule sooner, but says the move comes amid continuing Middle East instability and airspace restrictions.

The cut is not just a small timetable tweak. BA had previously run stronger London–Israel service, but the current plan leaves only the overnight London flight and early-morning Tel Aviv return operating once the route resumes, while the daytime service stays canceled through the end of the summer aviation season.

It comes as foreign airlines remain split over Israel, some European carriers are cautiously returning, while others are staying away or reducing capacity. Reuters reports BA is also scaling back other Middle East routes and shifting aircraft toward Asia and Africa, showing how Iran-backed regional instability is still distorting global aviation months after the major flare-up.

For Israeli travelers, the impact is simple, fewer seats, higher pressure on El Al and other Israeli carriers, and less competition on one of Israel’s most important Europe routes. BA says affected passengers are being offered alternatives, while the route remains under constant review.